Buckeyes outlast Penn State in chaotic finish

STATE COLLEGE — Quarterback J.T. Barrett rushed for two overtime touchdowns, and end Joey Bosa made the game-ending sack as Ohio State fended off Penn State's stunning comeback for a 31-24 overtime victory at Beaver Stadium.

Ohio State, which appeared headed for a rout early on, crumbled under Penn State's defensive pressure in the second half, which a season-high crowd of 107,895 relished. The Nittany Lions outscored Ohio State 17-0 in the second half, getting the game-tying field goal with 14 seconds left.

That final drive was one of Penn State's best this season. The Lions began at their own 9-yard line, with center Angelo Mangiro playing tackle because of an injury to starting left tackle Donovan Smith. But quarterback Christian Hackenberg was 7-for-10 on the series and converted two third-down sneaks.

The Lions also benefitted from pass-interference and late-hit penalties, which drew the ire of Ohio State coach Urban Meyer. Adding to the swirl were two clock resets, which drew the rage of Penn State coach James Franklin.

Kicker Sam Ficken tied the game with a 31-yard field goal, held by punter Chris Gulla, substituting for injured holder Ryan Keiser.

In overtime, the teams traded touchdowns on their first possessions in dramatic ways. On third down, Penn State turned to the Wildcat formation, producing audible gasps and boos from the crowd. But it was successful, as Bill Belton scored to give Penn State its first lead of the game.

The Buckeyes' Barrett responded with two classic ball fakes, the second of which produced a 5-yard touchdown. On the extra point, Penn State linebacker Mike Hull, who played a tremendous game, was called for leaping on a teammate's back.

That gave Ohio State possession at the 12-yard line on its next possession, with Barrett being pulled and dragged into the end zone for a 31-24 lead.

Penn State's final overtime possession ended because of Bosa, who finished with 2.5 sacks.

The game began on gloomy note, when senior running back Zach Zwinak sustained an apparent leg injury on the opening kickoff. It grew angry on Penn State's ensuing series, when Buckeyes defensive back Vonn Bell was credited with an interception in front of receiver Matt Zannellato.

Replays showed the ball hit the ground before Bell gained possession, but the call was upheld. Ohio State capitalized on the series, going 39 yards for the opening touchdown.

Later in the first quarter, Ohio State kicker Sean Nuernberger made a 49-yard field goal to give the Buckeyes a 10-0 lead. That play proved controversial as well, as the play clock appeared to expire about three seconds prior to the snap. The 49-yarder already was a season-long for Nuernberger, who missed from 41 yards later in the game.

Through it all, Penn State's defense played an inspired game, led by Hull and defensive tackle Anthony Zettel. Hull, whom defensive coordinator Bob Shoop has called among the best in the Big Ten, had 18 tackles in regulation and a key interception that led to the Lions' second touchdown. Zettel took care of the first TD all by himself.

The redshirt junior intercepted a Barrett pass, returning it 40 yards for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter. The interception was Zettel's second this season, tying him with cornerback Trevor Williams for the team lead. It also was Penn State's first interception return for a touchdown since NaVorro Bowman's against Indiana in 2008.

Penn State's defense, at times playing with second- and third-team rotations, held Ohio State's high-scoring offense to a season-low 17 points in regulation. It corralled the Buckeyes in the second half, producing three three-and-out series. And it did so despite a sizable disadvantage in time of possession.

But the defense received very little help early from the rest of the team. The Buckeyes overwhelmed Penn State's run game, which had just 1 yard rushing at one point in the fourth quarter.

Hackenberg, after a second-half defensive stop, made an unwise decision to throw into tight coverage. Buckeyes' cornerback Tyvis Powell capitalized with an interception that ended a promising drive.

Ohio State punter Cameron Johnston averaged 45 yards per punt attempt on his first three, including a 59-yarder that drove Penn State deep into its own territory. Kicker Sean Nuernberger also made a 49-yard field goal in the first half, though the attempt likely should have been blown dead because of a delay-of-game violation.

Penn State receiver DaeSean Hamilton set a single-game record with 14 receptions.